Blast in Pakistani city of Parachinar kills at least five

A blast has been reported at a market in Parachinar, TV channels reported on Friday. The blast reportedly took place in the crowded Noor market. The nature of the blast is unknown as yet. The market place is a busy area and has several shops. It is also near of the main imambargahs. Security forces have cordoned off the area while emergency services have been dispatched to the site. The political administration has declared emergency at all hospitals in the area. Initial reports suggested that at least 10 people have been injured in the explosion. The attack is reminiscent of a bombing at a market place early this year, which resulted in the death over at least 25 people. The January attack was claimed by Lashkar-i-Jhangvi al-Alami along with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) splinter Shehryar Mehsud. Parachinar is 250 kilometres west of Peshawar and has a population of 50,...